DECATUR -- The last five weeks were a busy time for members of the Decatur High School band as they traveled throughout Arkansas auditioning for several district, regional and state competitions.
Five senior high band students auditioned for all-region band Jan. 10 in Mountain Home. Decatur band members competed against several large and medium schools such as Bentonville, Rogers, Harrison, Mountain Home, Berryville, Pea Ridge and Gravette. Of that five, four qualified for all-region band. Ger Vang earned first-chair flute in the first band. Ryan Shaffer earned first-chair tenor sax in the second band. Dylan Frydrychowski earned 10th-chair trumpet in the second band, and Isabel Rodriguez earned 22nd-chair clarinet in the second band.
These Decatur students participated in an all-region band clinic Jan. 16 at Bentonville High School and a concert at the Arend Arts Center Jan. 17.
Ger Vang and Ryan Shaffer both qualified for all-state auditions, a first in Decatur band history.
Members of Decatur High School band then traveled to the University of Central Arkansas in Conway where they participated in the Arkansas all-state auditions Feb. 7. Band students from all over Arkansas took part in this one-day event.
Ger Vang was chosen fourth-chair flute for the Arkansas All State Wind Symphony. Vang was among the top placing flute students from each region vying for eight chairs in the symphony. He qualified to participate in the Arkansas All State Convention to be held Feb. 18-21 in Hot Springs.
Vang also earned a spot in the second All State Jazz Band on the alto sax. He participated in a day-long rehearsal and concert at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville Feb. 12.
Decatur band members traveled to Riverview High in Searcy to audition for the Arkansas All Star Band Feb. 10. Ger Vang earned first-chair clarinet, while Dylan Frydrychowski earned 12th-chair trumpet and Isabel Rodriguez earned 14th-chair clarinet.
These students will participate in the All Star clinic and concert to be held at Pangburn High School April 3-4.
General News on 02/18/2015